Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, have mercy. Cleanse me. Still my mind. Help me to listen as you speak.
Today’s passage is one of the most famous in the New Testament. The vocabulary differs from Paul’s usual style. It has a poetic feel; in fact, he may well be quoting an early Christian hymn. In talking about the self-emptying of God – ‘kenosis’ in Greek – the apostle gets to the very heart of who Jesus is and what he came to do.
Atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche rejected Christianity, arguing it was a religion for weaklings. And at first glance today’s verses seem to prove him right. But look closer and you begin to see the connection between self-denial and self-actualisation. Yes, Jesus leaves his heavenly glory behind, to be laid in a feeding trough. True, he lives a humble existence and, after a brief spell of public ministry, dies like a slave. But look at the flipside. The one who emptied himself has been exalted by God, sits at his right hand and is worthy of worship.
Paul tells the Christians in Philippi to learn from Christ’s humility – a humility that is not based on self-loathing or low self-esteem but grounded in their identity as ‘children of God’ (verse 14). In my experience the least humble people are the most insecure; what else, though, could give us more security and freedom to practise humility than the knowledge of God’s love for us?
Thank you, Father, for coming to us in the God the Son, Jesus. Thank you for the freedom to be humble as he was, knowing that my worth is already established and rooted in your love for me.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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